While the economic benefits of recreational marijuana have been repeatedly covered in media, the economic pitfalls have been largely ignored. The author documents the red tape that surrounds public establishments that want to “serve” cannabis treats to their clientele, as well as notes the other business effects of legalization, such as a negative impact on alcohol sales.

Key Takeaways:

• Recent passage of multiple marijuana initiatives, one of which approved in-restaurant cannabis consumption for Denver, might some day lead to a revenue windfall for operators.
• Proposition 300’s backers billed the measure as “the neighborhood-supported Cannabis Consumption Pilot Program.
• Drunk patrons just get cut off. But shutting down guests who are using their own pot is going to be tricky. Who wants to be in charge of that?

“But near-term, we’re going to find out whether pot-using patrons will continue to purchase alcoholic beverages as before.”

http://restaurant-hospitality.com/legal/legalized-marijuana-could-dilute-drinks-sales